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Hampshire board approves small multi-owner façade grant to restore historic downtown finials
Summary
Trustees approved a $4,282 local grant (75% of a $5,710 project) to fabricate and install seven historically styled finials on State Street buildings; the Business Development Commission recommended the award and trustees emphasized durable anchoring and historically sensitive replication.
The Village of Hampshire board approved a façade improvement grant on May 1 to help local building owners restore seven decorative finials that once adorned downtown storefronts.
Applicant spokesman described the project as a restoration of masonry finials lost after a 1929 fire; the plan calls for replicated finials embedded with rebar and epoxied into existing masonry so the pieces are securely anchored. The BDC unanimously recommended funding the application at 75 percent; the total project cost is $5,710, making the village share $4,282.
The presenter highlighted the historic value and visual match: "There were seven of these along the front... to see them back on the building is gonna be neat," he said, explaining the units will be fabricated to improve longevity. Trustees asked technical questions about attachment and weight (each finial ~90 pounds) and confirmed the grant includes fabrication, delivery and installation.
After questions were closed, a motion to approve the façade grant passed by roll call (motion recorded 5–0). Staff said they would meet with applicants after the meeting to address any follow-up items.
